Assessing Drug-taking as a Problem: An English Observation Study

Abstract

Very little research has been conducted on drug-takers in the community. Goode (1970) and Reeves (1973) are notable American and British exceptions. Both used non-random methods to collect information from drug-takers in non-clinical settings. In the present study, carried out in Cheltenham, I used participant observation as a means of approaching drug-takers in their ‘natural’ settings. I employed an anthropological technique called ‘snowballing’. This involved introducing myself to a few drug-takers. These individuals, when satisfied about my identity and intentions, introduced me to their drug-taking friends, who in turn introduced me to the network of other drug-takers whom they knew. During the period August 1970–October 1972, I was able, informally, to observe the life-styles and drug-taking behaviour of a number of drug-taking groups within the community. In addition, I collected statistical information about the biographical characteristics of 200 individuals I encountered. A standardized interview schedule was used which investigated family backgrounds, employment, education, social relationships, delinquency, drug histories, living conditions, ideology and sexual behaviour.